There was a time when the cause of infertility tended to be thought of as coming from the female side only, but recently I have learned that half of the causes of infertility exist in men.
In particular, men who routinely consume junk food are at risk for malnutrition occurring in the sperm which leads to its malformation.
Of course, lifestyle and other circumstances and habits could be involved in the causes of infertility in men. So in this article, we would like to introduce some food and nutrients that a couple may want to incorporate into their meals if they want to have a baby.
For the male hormones: Zinc
Men require zinc to normalize testosterone production and to maintain healthy reproductive organs. Also, they need zinc to help prevent prostate problems and erectile dysfunction.
Sources of zinc
Being an essential mineral found in almost every cell in our body, it stimulates the activity of nearly a hundred enzymes which promote biochemical reactions in the body. Below are some food sources of zinc:
- oyster
- clam
- scallops
- beef
Effect on pregnancy
Zinc is also called the “sex mineral”, it raises male reproductive organs and functions and promotes sperm production. It contains nutrients such as ornithine and has the effect of improving appetite and reducing fatigue.
Men must have enough energy to reproduce, and having nutritious soup won’t hurt for him who is tired from work.
Make semen: Arginine
One of the primary amino acids, arginine is essential for regulating blood flow especially for treating heart and blood vessels. An article published by Harvard Health explained that “this amino acid provides the raw material from which the body makes nitric oxide, a molecule that helps relax and open blood vessels, a necessary step to achieve an erection of the penis.”
Arginine sources
Studies have shown that arginine proved to be a potent stimulator of hormones. Here is a list of food sources containing arginine:
- Chicken
- Soy
- Almond
- Sesame
- Raisins
- Avocado
Effect on pregnancy
Arginine promotes the secretion of growth hormone and promotes cell proliferation. By doing so, we can increase the production of sperm and increase sperm motility.
There are various kinds of soy products such as natto, miso, and Takano Tofu. So try ingesting each day while changing the type so as not to get bored.
Increase stamina: Vitamin B group
Several studies have shown that vitamin B complex deficiency may lead to the inactivation of our body hormones. So, to have proper hormonal production and regulate energy production in our body, we need to consume adequate amounts of Vitamin B complex such as thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), cobalamin (B12), and folate (B9).
Vitamin B food sources
Here are the food sources containing B-vitamins:
- Pork
- eel
- egg
- Natto
- brown rice
Effect on pregnancy
Vitamin B group is a nutrient that is effective in restoring fatigue and strengthening vitality.
Eel is often taken as a restoration ingredient when the energy power of the summer disappears. This is because it is not only rich in the vitamin B group but other vitamins as well. Vitamin A leads to the improvement of immunity, and vitamin E can improve reproductive function by helping with hormone balance.
Eels are a beneficial food source for a couple who wants to get pregnant.
Promote regeneration and metabolism of cells: Folic acid
Folic acid is a popular B-vitamin for pregnant and lactating women due to its ability to produce healthy red blood cells, vital to distributing the right amounts of oxygen around the body. Additionally, studies have shown that folic acid supplementation can promote success in infertility.
Folic acid food sources
Here is a list of food sources rich in folate or folic acid:
- Spinach
- Komatsuna
- Broccoli
- Liver
- Pulses
Effect on pregnancy
When a woman gets pregnant, it is recommended to “take folic acid”. However, this advice is not limited to women.
Recent studies have shown that men taking too much folic acid have fewer spermatozoa with chromosomal abnormalities. Attention should be given to the correct dosage. Men who are thinking of having children must consume the right amounts of folic acid.
However, folic acid is weak against heat and light and gets easily dissolved in water. Therefore, it is difficult to ingest the necessary amount from meals only, so it is recommended to take it through supplements.
Increase absorption of necessary nutrients: Mucin
Being produced by cells in the epithelial surface and by glands found in the submucosal connective tissues, mucins are similar to gels and important for lubrication to cell signaling to create chemical barriers or protection, specifically for defense against bacterial and fungal infections.
Increase absorption of necessary nutrients: Mucin
Being produced by cells in the epithelial surface and by glands found in the submucosal connective tissues, mucins are similar to gels and important for lubrication to cell signaling to create chemical barriers or protection, specifically for defense against bacterial and fungal infections.
Food source of Mucin
- Okra
Effect on pregnancy
Although it may not be familiar to many, the nutrient “mucin” works to increase the absorption of amino acids and proteins necessary for making sperm.
Since “mucin” is a viscous substance, it is contained in a lot of starchy, nourishing food like yam (ube), taro, and moroheiya. These are also vulnerable to heat, so eating them raw is suitable for pregnancy.
Conclusion
It is very important to care about nutrition, and when deciding what to eat, it is important to choose things that are not using additives and preservatives as much as possible and choose less trans fats.
Due to pregnancy, the effect will not be observed or felt right after eating these foods immediately. Let the couple who wants to have children review these foods in detail as much as they can.
